How to Create a Fabulous Kid’s Room Everyone Can Still Love in Two Years

As much fun as it looks, I'm not, in fact, rolling naked in money, à la Demi Moore in that '90s movie. I’ll hazard a guess that you're not either. We're modern parents with kiddo(s) and, MAN, are they expensive.

There's t-ball, and swim lessons, and teacher appreciation day at school and don't even get me started on how quickly they go through clothes. It really adds up!

And then it comes to their room. On the one hand, it's their space, right? A place of relaxation and personal expression. On the other hand, does it really have to be Thomas the Tank Engine? Really? Couldn't they like something a bit less…. dramatic?

In all honesty, it's a bit jarring to walk into a room that looks like a circus tent. And c'mon. We know there will be a new (just as nauseating) fad next year.

So how do you walk the line between supporting your kiddo's passions and making choices that are harmonious with the overall style and finances of your family? Relax, I've got some great tips to share with you.

Fabulous Kids Room Tip #1: Start with a neutral base

Hang with me here. I know, given one of my guy's preferences, his walls would be painted tomato red. But, that just isn't going to happen and here's why.

In two or three years, you don't want to be painting multiple coats of paint to cover up that bubble gum pink. Start with a neutral color on the walls and major components of the room. Trust me, this room will be anything but bland, but it will also be a room that can be changed and adapted over time.

It's a lot easier to swap in and out wall art over a neutral wall than it is to cover up an orange and green Tintin inspired paint job

Photo by Roman Kraft

Fabulous Kids Room Tip #2: Modular furniture

What? Modular? Yes. Modular means furniture that you can use in different ways or put together in a different arrangement.

If you can, start off early with a 3 (or 4) in one crib. Those babies can go from crib to toddler bed to twin bed. Needless to say, with something you hope to use over many years, see tip #1 and go classic, not trendy.

Another option for flexible furniture is a daybed for older kiddos. A day bed is basically a bed with both a headboard and a foot board sidled up to a wall on one side. When not being slept in, it can easily have pillows along the sides and be used as a sofa/additional seating for friends.

Bonus tip: Get a trundle bed under that daybed. Voila! Sleepovers are a snap. Or, by adding a larger mattress, you've even got a king-sized bed option should you need it.

When you get a crib, go for classic, no-frills, and one that will transition easily into toddlerhood and beyond. One with all the bells and whistles? Will look dated in a year.

Fabulous Kids Room Tip #3: Invest in quality

As tempting as it is (and I know how tempting it is, believe me) avoid going for the super cheap furniture. Kids are hard on stuff. I know! But look at this as an extra investment in quality pieces that can endure through years of use.

As I write this, I'm sitting at a desk that is still going strong after 30 or so years. Is it '80s fab? Perhaps. But I could easily slap some new hardware on or give it a paint and you'd never know. I know I'm repeating myself here, but go classic, go neutral, think long-term.

Bonus tip: the furniture, rugs, etc. you buy now don't have to stay in a kiddo room if that isn't the best use for it. A great dresser that works as a changing table now can easily move into a guest room for use there.

Spend a few extra bucks on a quality, classic piece of furniture. No need to draw attention to itself; it can support decor changes in a kid's room all the way up to adulthood.

Photo by Logan Ripley

Fabulous Kids Room Tip #4: Have fun!

Now that all the serious, adult stuff has been handled in tips 1-3, let loose and have fun. Add in accents like throw pillows, and wall art. Wall decals and special toy displays! This is where you can let your kiddo really shine through with their personality and favorites.

These throw pillows are the closest my little guy is getting to his tomato red room. He'll love them AND completely forget about the walls. Win-win!

Believe it or not, junior will never miss a Pinterest pin-able Star Wars room complete with Millennium Falcon bed (thanks for that, Pottery Barn, by the way). They'll be thrilled to see their favorite toys and colors represented in a new, fun, personalized way. Best of all, it won't break the bank to swap these items out in the next few years.

Now see? It is totally possible to have a room that both you and your kiddo will love. And, by investing on quality, durable, neutral foundation pieces and throwing in a few fun accessories, everyone can stay happy with this room for years to come. Even if you're not rolling in money (clothed or otherwise).

If you're excited to get going on a room the entire family will enjoy being in, but just don't know how to get the ball rolling, check out the different levels of help I can offer you. Let's get this baby started!